introduction

Pierre Lemaitre's "Goodbye in the Sky" depicts the living difficulties and social dissatisfaction of two French soldiers after World War I through black humor, and uses spatial narrative analysis to showcase the post-war French society and the lives of retired soldiers.

1、 Material space

In depth exploration of the construction of material space and its role in narrative in Pierre Lemaire's novel "Goodbye in the Sky". Material space is defined as the perceptible natural environment, geographical landscape, and physical architecture, which is crucial for understanding novels. Public spaces such as battlefields and cities have special significance in novels. The closed and cruel nature of battlefields reflects the harsh conditions of soldiers, while the prosperity and decline of urban spaces reveal the class gap and values of money supremacy in post-war society. Private space, especially the home, provides the protagonist with a place to isolate themselves from social relationships. The luxurious mansion of the original family contrasts sharply with the small rooms shared after the war, which become the protagonist's utopia for self adjustment and pursuit of dreams. Through the layout and transformation of material space, the novel portrays the horror of war, social injustice, and the struggle and hope of individuals in adversity.

2、 Social space

An in-depth analysis of the social space constructed in Pierre Lemaire's novel "Goodbye in the Sky" reveals the complex social relationships and power dynamics contained within it. The theoretical framework of Lefebvre and Foucault is used to explain that space is not only material, but also a carrier of social relations, which can reflect the power and interest conflicts between social classes.

3、 Spiritual Space

In depth exploration of the spiritual space of the characters in Pierre Lemaire's novel "Goodbye in the Sky", analyzing its close connection with material space and social space. Edward Suja defined spiritual space as the "second space" and emphasized its importance in spatial concepts. The article showcases the profound reflections of the two protagonists, Albert and Edward, on the world they inhabit through their inner worlds. Loneliness is a common psychological state among them. Albert felt isolated and helpless in war and family, while Edward felt lonely due to the disfigurement of war and social incomprehension. In addition, the difficulties of war, family, and society brought serious psychological trauma to the two protagonists, such as Albert's fear, anxiety, and paranoia, as well as Edward's disfigurement, dependence on morphine, and suicidal tendencies. These traumas reflect their failure to achieve the "reconnection and integration" stage in trauma rehabilitation theory, and their inability to create new self-awareness and future. By analyzing the protagonist's spiritual space, the chapter reveals the profound impact of war on individual psychology, as well as the impact of social reality and spiritual crises on individual souls.

conclusion

Goodbye in the Sky "depicts the complex landscape of French society after World War I through multiple spatial constructions. The contrast between the barren battlefield of material space and the bustling cities, the collusion and bureaucracy between officials and businessmen in social space, as well as the alienation of interpersonal relationships caused by materialism and the pursuit of fame and fortune, collectively shape the predicament of retired veterans. The loneliness and traumatic psychology in the spiritual space deepen the portrayal of the protagonist's inner world. This spatial construction not only enriches the connotation of the text, but also promotes readers' understanding of the plot and reflection on post-war social issues.